CEA study guide
CEA · Work through your exam, one topic at a time.
The Certified Energy Auditor (CEA) is a professional credential offered by the Association of Energy Engineers (AEE) for people who evaluate and analyze energy use in a facility, identify energy conservation opportunities, and recommend where consumption can be reduced or optimized. AEE positions it as the leading global certification for energy auditing. The CEA study guide has 12 sections and about 2,908 words.
01Developing an Energy Audit Strategy & Plan
The strategy domain checks whether you can scope an audit to the client's decision, not just walk the building. ASHRAE defines three levels: Level I is a walk-through survey that establishes a baseline, an approximate EUI, and low-cost/no-cost measures.
272 words, about 1 min02Energy Use Analysis
Energy use analysis converts bills and meter data into a baseline, an end-use picture, and a prioritized list of opportunities. Expect questions on rate structures, load factor, EUI, and weather normalization.
250 words, about 1 min03Data Collection & Analysis
Data collection and analysis covers the measurement plan, instrument selection, sampling, and data quality. The exam wants evidence that your numbers can survive scrutiny.
250 words, about 1 min04Economic Analysis
Economic analysis tests whether you can rank measures fairly. Know simple payback, ROI, net present value (NPV), internal rate of return (IRR), and life-cycle cost (LCC), and when each is appropriate.
249 words, about 1 min05Lighting Systems
Lighting questions test your command of efficacy, illuminance, power density, and controls. You should be able to compute savings from a retrofit without overstating them.
237 words, about 1 min06Heating, Ventilation & Air Conditioning Systems
HVAC questions cover efficiency metrics, part-load behavior, ventilation, and the interaction between chillers, boilers, fans, and pumps. COP = cooling output ÷ power input (both in kW); EER = Btu/h ÷ watts; kW/ton = 12 ÷ EER.
242 words, about 1 min07Domestic Hot Water Systems
Domestic hot water questions test load calculation, efficiency ratings, distribution losses, and system selection. Heat rate: Btu/h = 500 × gpm × ΔT; daily energy = 8.33 × gallons × ΔT.
240 words, about 1 min08Motors & Drives & Compressed Air Systems
This domain combines motor efficiency, variable-speed drives, and compressed air. Expect affinity-law calculations, motor part-load behavior, and compressed-air specific power.
248 words, about 1 min09Building Envelope
Envelope questions test heat flow, moisture, and the difference between insulation and air sealing. You should be able to compute conduction and infiltration losses.
237 words, about 1 min10BAS, PAS, and EMCS
BAS/PAS/EMCS questions test control strategies, point data, and commissioning. The exam expects you to know what a control system can and cannot save.
238 words, about 1 min11Alternative Generation & Storage
Alternative generation and storage questions test PV output, capacity factor, battery sizing, and the economics of demand reduction. PV annual energy = kW × 8,760 × capacity factor; typical CF is 15–20% in temperate climates.
215 words, about 1 min12Transport
Transport questions cover fleet fuel use, idling, routing, and alternative fuels. The math is straightforward; the trap is unit discipline and baseline quality.
230 words, about 1 min